Trump administration, state of Maine settle lawsuit concerning frozen funds

WASHINGTON

The Trump administration settled a funding freeze lawsuit with the state of Maine on Friday after a dispute about transgender athlete policies.

"It’s unfortunate that my office had to resort to federal court just to get USDA (US Agriculture Department) to comply with the law and its regulations.

"But we are pleased that the lawsuit has now been resolved and that Maine will continue to receive funds as directed by Congress to feed children and vulnerable adults," said Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey.

The USDA froze funds to some Maine educational programs last month because the state refused to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports.

US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins sent a letter to Gov. Janet Mills announcing the pause and a review of federal funding that the state receives from the agency.

“In order to continue to receive taxpayer dollars from USDA, the state of Maine must demonstrate compliance with Title IX which protects female student athletes from having to compete with or against or having to appear unclothed before males," Rollins wrote in the letter.

The dispute began in February when President Donald Trump signed an executive order that banned transgender women from women’s and girls’ sports.

During a White House event Feb. 21, Trump confronted Mills and asked her if she would comply. Mills responded: “I’m complying with state and federal law.” Trump retorted: “We are the federal law. Well, you better do it. You better do it because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't.”

The Democratic governor stood her ground, saying: “We’ll see you in court,” with Trump replying: “Good. I’ll see you in court. I look forward to that."